Author's Note

Next chapter to be published no later than 8-7-17Once again, sorry for the delay. I’m working on 4 chapters at once. This is the first of them. The second one is pretty short, the third is longer and the fourth is rather long and is, well...

I Want to Tell You

I want to tell you

My head is filled with things to say

When you’re near

All those words they seem to slip away

-George Harrison,

“Fluttershy darling, why all the hurry? There’s plenty of evening to go.” Rarity approached her friend with a reassuring smile.

The pegasus, her coat the color of lemon chiffon, landed softly, and slightly out of breath. “Hi Rarity, oh goodness, I hope I didn’t frighten you. I promised Applejack I would help her get the animals ready for the fair tomorrow. Do you know where she is?” Fluttershy looked around the Apple family farmyard with a hint of panic.

“Calm yourself darling, it’s fine! Spike and Cherilee were over helping out along with the Crusaders. They all made quick work of it. Applejack is up taking a shower, she’ll be down soon. Here, let me get you a mug of this truly delicious cider. I’m not sure what’s in it, I think Rainbow Dash was here this morning helping to set it up. It certainly is very relaxing”

The two ponies walked over to the small keg. It lay on it’s side, submerged in a box full of ice with a hole cut in the side through which the tap exited. Rarity filled a mug and gave it to her friend.

“Thank goodness! I was so worried!” Fluttershy said, taking a sip. “Oh my, that is delicious, especially on a hot day like this. I felt so terrible, I told Applejack that I’d be here and I forgot. If Twilight hadn’t reminded me-” She took another sip.

Rarity suddenly lowered her mug, “You saw Twilight today? When?”

“Oh, well she was at my house about two hours ago. Or maybe an hour and a half.”

“What was she doing?”

“Well, we were watching the animals.”

“My, doesn’t that sound exciting,” Rarity said. Looking away and rolling her eyes.

“Well, um, I guess. They were mating. This cider sure is yummy...”

“Really??” Rarity turned back, suddenly very interested. “You and Twilight were watching the animals mating? What did she think?”

“Um, well, she seemed kind of interested…”

“How so?”

“Well, afterwards when we went into the house, she wanted to see some books on animals and their mating practices.”

“SHE DID??!!!”

Fluttershy jumped back and shied away at Rarity’s outburst.

The fashionista went over to her, “Oh I’m terribly sorry darling, I suppose I shouldn’t be so surprised, after all, she is a pony that does her homework when she is interested in something, and then nothing can stop her!” Rarity said with excitement. “Was there anything in particular she was looking at?”

“She was interested in, um, mares…” Fluttershy said worriedly as she pawed the ground.

“Ohhh!!” Rarity squealed and clapped her hooves joyfully.

“Goodness, Rarity, why are you so excited?”

“Oh, who me? Excited? I’m not excited, I er, am just glad that Twilight is getting over her, well darling let’s face it, she can be somewhat prudish…”

“Can she? I hadn’t noticed. When I came into the living room she had all my books on the floor opened to pictures of animals, you know...” Fluttershy paused and looked around then took a large drink of cider, leaned toward Rarity and whispered, “...doing it.”

“Doing what exactly, darling?”

“Um, well, I’d rather not say…”

“You don’t MEAN??”

The little pegasus blushed a deep red and nodded.

“I DO so love a well read pony!!” Rarity exclaimed brightly.

“Me too!!” Pinkie Pie squealed, as she bounded up to them, “Or well, blue, or well, cyan…”

“Hello Pinkie, I wasn’t talking about color darling, I was talking about a pony who was well educated. I enjoy the company of ponies who are familiar in the ways of the world.”

“I know a thing or two about the world. For example, did you know that there are 18 different types of dragons?” Pinkie said.

“Dragons?!! Oh my!!” Fluttershy ran behind Rarity, “Where, where?!”

“Right behind you.”

“AHHHH!!!...” Fluttershy screamed, then noticed that the dragon was rather short. “Oh. it’s Spiiiiiike.” Fluttershy instantly went to him. “And how is my adorable little dragon today?”

Spike glanced quickly over at Rarity. “Just fine, Fluttershy” he said, taking a deep breath and pushing out his chest, “Of course I did most of the work here with getting the animals ready. You gotta show ‘em who’s boss. I mean Applejack is good, and so is Big Mac, but sometimes it takes a dragon.”

“Goodness, I should say so. You are certainly a dragon of many talents! By the way, have you tried the cider? It’s very relaxing…*hic*...oh excuse me.”

“Uh, no, but thanks. It must be doing something for you Fluttershy” the young dragon said, looking at the pegasus with a dreamy smile, “you are looking more beautiful than usual today.” he said, stealing a glance at Rarity, “And that’s saying something. You really are something special.”

Rarity’s ears pricked up instantly at the clearly misdirected compliment..

Fluttershy blushed, “Oh Spike, you-”

Rarity pushed past a startled Fluttershy, going right up to the little dragon.

“Oh Spikey Wikey, aren’t you just the most adorable little thing, helping out Applejack like that!” Rarity cooed, giving him a little hug. His eyes rolled back in his head and he smiled dreamily, as he swayed on suddenly unfamiliar legs.

“Whatever you say Rarity.” Spike sighed as he leaned into her side, his smile never fading.

Fluttershy looked at the two of them and with a raised eyebrow, smiled, then hiccup edge again.

Twilight’s hooves barely touched the ground as they trotted happily toward the hill that led up to the Sweet Apple Acres farm. Just as she approached the bottom, she heard a beat of wings approaching and turned. The silhouetted shape of Rainbow Dash circled over her then landed softly.

“Hey Twi.”

“Hi Rainbow, on your way to Applejack’s?”

“Yeah, I figure it’s about time to get the party started.”

“Okay. When you get up there, tell them I’m coming.”

Dash landed in front of her with a wry smile. “Really? Want some help?”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Just go start the party Rainbow.”

“Your loss,” Rainbow said with a laugh, “Oh - there’s Pinkie at the top of the hill, see you up there!” Rainbow Dash popped up and hovered above Twilight.

“Okay Dash, I’ll be up soon.”

As she approached the halfway point up the hill, Twilight became aware of an ever increasing tremble in her stomach.

Twilight! Why are you so nervous?

Because I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to tell Applejack that I love her.

Uh, she knows you love her.

Okay okay, that I’m IN love with her! Just how am I supposed to tell her? And how will I know when will the time is right?

Stop worrying and just relax!

I hope there’s someplace nearby where I can throw up if I need to…

Twilight felt the cool breeze lift the perspiration from her brow and back as she approached the top of the hill. She was now panting a little, and relieved to see everypony was there with the exception of Applejack. Fluttershy was talking to Rarity who had a clearly besotted Spike leaning against her shimmering white coat, his face an expression of pure bliss.

“Hi Rarity!” Twilight called out.

“TWILIGHT!” Rarity said, rushing toward the lavender unicorn, leaving a love drunk Spike to stagger and finally fall. “Oh darling you look gorgeous!” Rarity threw her arms around the startled pony and pulled her close. “It seems like forever since earlier today. Did you miss me darling?”

“Uh, yeah, I suppose.” Twilight answered, somewhat puzzled. She very vaguely remember seeing her at the Carousel Boutique. “That certainly was some strong cider you gave me. I’m trying to remember what we talked about.”

Rarity whispered in her ear, “Us, darling, we talked about us, and, you know, the love that dare not speak its name!”

Twilight, locked tight in Rarity’s arms, blinked hard then her eyes flew open wide.

“The WHAT??!!”

“Shhhh, it’s okay my darling, I understand,” she whispered again, “we must keep our love for each other away from prying eyes and ears.”

“Uh, yeah,” Twilight said, trying to hide her unease, “I’m uh, all for that!”

“Very well my love, I understand,” she whispered. “We’ll act as if everything were normal.”

“Sure thing - normal, and we can’t start soon enough.” Twilight flashed a cheesy grin. Just then she looked up into one of the window’s of the farm house. She thought she saw a flash of blonde mane, but it was gone.

Rarity released her. “It is so nice to see you again, Twilight. My, but you are looking well.” Her delivery was less than natural

“Thank you Rarity, and you are uh, looking, well too.”

In a flash, Rarity was muzzle to muzzle with Twilight, her eyes dreamy slits. “Do you REALLY think so so darling?”

Twilight pulled back. “Yes, uh, just fine.”

Suddenly Twilight found herself in the grip of two pink forelegs that had wrapped themselves around her from behind and, pulled her up on her hind legs. She gave Twilight a tight hug and in a rather loud whisper asked, “Twilight! Finally! Is it time?”

Twilight’s eyes opened wide, darting from one side to the other in search of a clue. “What’s going on? Are you two tag teaming me?” Rarity had turned and headed toward the cider keg. “So, uh,... Pinkie. Hi there. Is it time for what?”

“Time to tell the world, silly, remember?”

Twilight recalled the earlier conversation that day. Oh great, that’s all I need, Pinkie telling the world I’m in love with Applejack! “No Pinkie, no-no-no-no, why don’t we save that for later?”

“Oh. Well, okay. If you’re sure. I brought all the toys with me, you know for... I’m not sure who is supposed to be what, but I’m easy.”

“Ohhhh-kayyyyyy” Twilight answered in complete and utter bewilderment. Movement from one of the windows caught her eye again. Nopony there now. Pinkie continued to hold Twilight close from behind, her eyes shut tight as she smiled.

Rarity was suddenly back, face to face, her body pressing against Twilight’s,. “You told Pinkie Pie about us?!”

“There is no US to tell her about!!” Twilight exclaimed in frustration.

“Oh yes darling, of course, sorry about that, I almost blew our cover,” Rarity whispered.

Twilight blew out a sigh and rolled her eyes. “Right, our cover.” Twilight muttered. She looked down at the pink arms that held her close. “You can let go of me any time now Pinkie”

“Sure thing,” the pink pony answered, her arms still around Twilight. “Oh, I brought some snacks. Want some chips?”

“Thank you Pinkie, yes, I’d love some chips, just as soon as you let me go. Which would be fine anytime now.” The sarcasm in the young unicorn’s voice was utter lost on the other two ponies.

Rarity, stepped close enough to Twilight that their stomachs touched.“Oh darling, you’re hungry?” she asked seductively, “Why didn’t you say something dear? Please, let me find you something to eat,” she paused raising a knowing eyebrow, “I’d like to eat something too…” As she turned away to her right,, Rarity let the back of her left hoof brush against Twilight, just under her navel.

Twilight’s eyes flew open wide and her mouth opened to speak but nothing came out. “How about a drink, darling?” Rarity asked.

Twilight, her face still frozen in shock, nodded her head in several short shakes.

“Very well. I won’t make it too strong, after all we don’t want anything to dull our senses…”

Speak for yourself, sister… Twilight thought to herself as her senses returned. What the hay has gotten into these ponies? She went to move then realized that she was still held by Pinkie.

“Remember a few minutes ago when I asked you to let me go Pinkie? Let me remind you, it sounded kind of like this: Please let me go...”

“Let you go?? You need your space I suppose? Well that was sure quick. Wham bam thank you ma'am without the wham bam part! But I understand, you say you want your freedom, well who am I to keep you down? I know, if you love something set it free, if it comes back it’s yours, if not, it never really was…” Pinkie said, her voice one of melancholy followed by a sniff of emotion punctuating the sentiment. With that, Pinkie released her. “But know, there will always be an empty- Oh look, Dashie brought pretzels!! Yo Dashie!!” Pinkie bounced away.

“WHAT is going ON?!!” Twilight wondered aloud.

“Oh, um, hi Twilight, well here I am, as I promised.” Fluttershy said, looking down and pawing the ground with a hoof. She seemed to be swaying slightly.

“Oh thank goodness! A normal pony! I’m so glad to see you Fluttershy, you have no idea…”

“Well, um, yes, I kind of do. I mean without me you wouldn't have discovered how you feel about other mares. But I am so sorry Twilight. It isn’t that you’re not attractive, I mean I think you’re super cute and I can’t say that I don’t feel drawn to you physically, I mean you have a really nice body and um, well a really sexy rump that I could really sink my teeth into, metaphorically, of course, and late at night, when I’m alone-”

Twilight quickly cut her off

“That’s-fine-Fluttershy-I-completely-understand-and-I-hope-this-won’t-affect-our-friendship-because-I-do-love-you-as-a-very-dear-friend-and-I-would-hate-for-anything-to-come-between-us.” Twilight interrupted, then took a huge breath, recovering from the long exclamation.

Fluttershy threw her forelegs around her friend and pulled her close. Twilight rolled her eyes, “Great - here we go again...next time I’ll just bring a wrestling mat and a referee…” she muttered.

“Oh Twilight, I knew you’d understand! And no, this won’t affect our friendship at all,” the pegasus pony said softly in her ear, “I’m just not ready for any pony, place, or thing to try to pull the reins in on me, you know?”

Twilight was surprised by how strong her friend was. In fact, that she found it somewhat difficult to draw a breath. She did manage, with a good deal of effort to say, “Yes, Fluttershy, I do know, and thank you for letting me down easy. Now, would you let me down easy?”

“Oh goodness, oh yes, I’m so sorry Twilight.” she said, releasing her. Fluttershy sat down and looked at Twilight. She smiled and swayed slightly.

“Huuuuuuuuuuuhhhh” Twilight drew in a huge breath. As she did, she noticed, once again, movement in one of the farm windows.

Fluttershy's grin had become decidedly lopsided. She whispered to Twilight, “And, um if, you know, you ever want to just, you know, come over and…” Fluttershy leaned in close to Twilight’s ear, “...masturbate together…”

Despite what had been a day of intense workouts for Twilight’s eyelids, they once again flew open wide, perhaps wider than they had all day. “OH! Uhhh, well um, sure thing there Fluttershy… ” It took every ounce of self control for Twilight not to sound anywhere near as freaked out as she was. “Um, I’ll check my appointment book, maybe we can pencil something in for next week…”

“Um, okay…” Fluttershy smiled then took another large sip of cider..

The slamming of a wooden screen door that has been pulled shut by a long twanging spring is a sound found on the best of summer days and today was no exception. With the late day sun just starting to set behind her and the echo of the screen door fading, Applejack, fresh out of the shower and smiling at the sight of her best friends, walked out to the picnic table where four of them were gathered.

“Howdy there girls, glad y’all could make it.”

The four ponies turned at the sound of slamming door and smiled.

“Hey AJ! All done with your shower I see. Hope you’re smelling better than usual.”

“Hello Applejack darling, my don’t you look lovely.”

“Applejack! Do I smell *sniff sniff* 3 apple pies in your oven?”

“Oh, um, I’m so sorry Applejack, I know I promised…

The blonde farm pony turned first to Rainbow Dash, then went around to each of her friends,

“Thanks Dash, I’m sure I smell better than you.

“That’s kind of you to say Rarity, I sure do feel better gettin all that farm dirt off me.”

“Right as always Pinkie Pie, that is THREE fresh apple pies you smell;

and don’t you worry yourself Fluttershy, the crusaders and Miss Cherilee, and of course Spike, helped out and it all came together.”

In the ensuing silence, a tiny sound of crunched stones under hooves was heard. Twilight, standing off to Applejack’s left and slightly behind her, shifted her weight nervously.

“Hi Applejack.” Twilight said, sounding oddly shy.

The blonde pony turned and looked at Twilight. As their eyes met, the earth pony smiled sweetly. Twilight looked at the depth of those green eyes and how they reflected the late day sun, and felt a rush pass through her.

“Hi Twilight.” Applejack said softly. She paused for a moment, looking at her friend. “Are you okay? You look a little worried.”

“No, I’m fine. It sure is nice to see you.” Twilight said quietly

“Same here, sugarcube.” Applejack’s voice was warm. “Feel like a hayburger?”

“I’d love one.”

“Well alrighty then! Who wants a hayburger?” Applejack called out.

“How many ya got?” Dash yelled back.

………………………………………………………………………………...

“Another hayburger, anypony? Get ‘em while they’re hot!” The blonde farm pony called to nopony in particular. Three burgers sizzled on the flat slab of iron that sat atop large stones over a bed of glowing coals.

In the world of digestional delight, the few ponies who possessed the innate ability and culinary skill of Applejack were few and far between. Be it pies, tarts, grilled fruit, pancakes, waffles, a million different sauces, or any kind of vegetable stew, (and of course hayburgers, fries and onion rings) Applejack was known as one of the most talented ponies in Equestria.

“How about you Pinkie?”

“Thanks Applejack, but I had one, I’m saving room for the dessert. It’s a combination of strawberry cake with vanilla icing, cotton candy filling and the whole thing dipped in molten chocolate. And of course vanilla ice cream.”

Rarity looked at her, “But Pinkie darling, Applejack has three freshly baked apple pies! Whatever do you need the cake for?.”

“I never go anywhere without a backup cake! You gotta be ready for a dessergency!”

Rarity raised an eyebrow, “Very well, I’ll bite, what, pray tell, is a dessergency?”

“WHAT?!! It’s a DESSERT-EMERGENCY!! It’s too horrible to talk about in mixed company. They can strike at any time, and the results can be catastrophic!”

Twilight, reclining in a hammock strung up between two trees, giggled. She turned her head and watched as the fireflies floated around Applejack in their sweet and soft summer dance. A line from a song came into the young unicorn’s head, “...just like me, they long to be, close to you…”

Applejack moved and dodged her head, avoiding them but chuckling at the light show. One gently landed on her nose. She went cross-eyed looking at the little bug.

“Well howdy there. Forgive me for bein’ forward, but can I just tell you that that light of yours is a might impressive? I’ve been watchin you and let me just say I’ll bet most of the lady fireflies would find you to be quite the stud. Now stop bein so shy and get on out there and mingle - everything’s gonna be shiny - you’ll see.” The little light suddenly glowed brightly and the little bug flew off.

“Oh Applejack!” cooed Fluttershy, “that was just the sweetest thing I have ever seen! He was feeling so bad and now there are three girls flying around him!”

“I was? They are? Well what do you know - I got a little Fluttershy in me! Glad I could help the little feller out.”

“Oh you did! I never you cared so much about animals.”

“I guess I’m just full of surprises, even for myself. This last week or so has been a-might strange. First I meet Princess Celestia’s personal protege over there,” she said, nodding toward Twilight who blushed and smiled back. “Then all of a sudden we’re part of this group of ponies and we’re saving Equestria from a mythical legend who ain’t such a myth after all. Have you been feelin different, Fluttershy?”

“I guess - I mean I’ve never met a baby dragon before and I’ve never fought a real animal that was supposed to be a myth.”

“I was thinkin more, you know, inside like, I don’t know, somthin’s changed.”

“I-I don’t think so. Except maybe I feel closer to you and Rainbow and Pinkie and Twilight and Rarity.”

“Hmmm, well anyway we have a new friend and it’s a beautiful summer night, Princess Celestia has her sister back and all my best friends are here at the farm enjoying a nice meal, and tomorrow is the fair.” Applejack smiled and looked up at the deepening blue of the sky then out toward the little village below.

From atop Sweet Apple Hill, with all Ponyville spread out below, the view was unbelievable. For Twilight who lay back on a chaise lounge, the sight of Applejack, silhouetted against the incredible fire colors of the fading sunset, the sight was unforgettable.

Twilight noticed, with a small grin,, that a few fireflies were floating around her own head. One landed on her chest. She smiled at it.

“Looks like I ain’t the only one the little critters are attracted to…” Applejack giggled.

“Hey there little guy, are you taking a break from all the excitement? Oops- I guess not - that is quite the light you got there fella.”

Fluttershy walked over to her “Well actually, that isn’t a fella - that’s a lady firefly.”

“Really? How can you tell?”

“Well first by looking at the coloring on her back, then there are the type of wings she has.”

“Interesting.”

“Oh, and she told me.” Fluttershy said.

“Well I apologize little lady,” Twilight said, “I guess you must be a little tired from all the boys chasing you, you know how they can be…”

“Um, actually she doesn’t”

“What do you mean - oh look, here comes another one and he’s flashing his light too, now she’s flashing her light. Ohh, isn't that cute - he landed right next to her. That’s strange, he has the same markings and wings as she…”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you, you have two lady firefly’s on you.”

“REALLY?!!” Twilight said excitedly, “That is so cute! Even fireflies girls can have girlfriends! Do you see this Applejack?”

“Yeah. I’d say they're just confused from the smoke…”

Twilight’s excitement faded, “Oh, well, I guess that could be it.”

“Um, I don’t mean to contradict you Applejack, but from the way they’re flashing, the girl firefly on the left side has a crush on the girl firefly on the right side.” Fluttershy offered.

“Well what in tarnation are they gonna do? They sure can’t have any glow worms, so what’s the point?”

“They could just love each other you know!” Twilight said defensively, “Is there anything wrong with that?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, shrugged, turned back to the grill and flipped one of the hayburgers. “Yeah, well, to each her own I guess...”

Suddenly Rarity was there, “Twilight? Please darling, let me get you another burger,” offered Rarity, “who knows - you might be needing your strength later.” the white unicorn said with a wink.

Twilight looked down, “No that’s alright Rarity, but thanks for asking,” she said softly, not looking up.

“Not at all darling. Would you like a mug of cider? I’m going for a refill.”

“Um. okay… thanks.”

Twilight turned her head away from the direction of the grill and looked off toward the mountains in the distance. She had left one of her legs dangling over the edge of the hammock to rock herself. Now she pulled it in and sighed. All she kept hearing was Applejack’s voice in her head, “Yeah, well to each her own, I guess…” Her chest felt heavy and all the joy seemed to have left her. She thought about just going back to the library. Suddenly the hammock started to swing gently on its own. She turned her head and found the concerned face of Applejack there as her hoof pushed the hammock gently.

“Are you okay sugarcube?” she asked softly. The tone of genuine concern touched Twilight deeply and she felt her emotions rise as a pain in her throat became almost unbearable. She nodded.

“Did I say something stupid? You seemed so happy a minute ago. And now…”

Twilight swallowed. It was incredibly painful. Seeing the real concern on Applejack’s face didn’t make it any easier, but she felt much better inside.

“It was about those fireflies, wasn't it? I’m sorry. Well, I reckon if two creatures really do love each other, that’s all that should matter. It's just, well, I… with two females I just don’t see the point. I mean why not just stay best friends-like us? Two mares ain’t never gonna, you know, do anything, no matter what Dash thinks. That kinda stuff is crazy - why would you ever do it if you didn’t want to have little ones? I seen plenty of animals on the farm mating and they’re gruntin’ and pantin’ and sweatin’ and doin’ what looks like a whole lotta hard work. Why would you go through all that if it weren’t to make a young’un - can you tell me that? It ain’t like there’s some kinda big magical deal that happens, it just makes babies and a sometimes a big mess. And as far as what Dashie was sayin’ about Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon, why on EARTH would anypony in their right mind put their face anywhere NEAR, you know, down there? Unless you was makin sure everything was alright. I just can’t imagine why. Do you have any idee- What?”

“So Applejack, you can’t think of a reason why two animals might, you know, have sex other than to have offspring?” Twilight asked, trying to hide her amazement.

“Of course not. Like I said before, it doesn’t look like any fun, so what’s the point?”

Twilight carefully asked, “You’ve never felt anything, you know, good down there.”

“Well sure!”

“Oh!” Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, “So you know what I’m talking about then.”

“Well I’m talkin’ about when you gotta use the little fillies room really badly, and then when you finally do, it feels really good. What are you talking about?”

“Uh, oh, yeah, well that was it…” Twilight said with a toothy grin.

“Yep, that always is such a relief. Hang on a sec, I gotta go check the grill.”

A torrent of thoughts and fears raced through Twilight’s mind. What if there is something wrong with Applejack’s anatomy? What if she can’t have an orgasm? She won’t have any interest in sex at all! Wouldn't that be just great! The one pony on earth that drives me to the point of desire where I actually have to discover sex.. and she has no interest in it!

Twilight’s stomach churned as she thought of never being able to make love to Applejack. Her initial desire had been aroused through a subconscious attraction to her friend. Twilight turned away and curled up into a ball in the hammock. The churning in her stomach was a raging storm now, and as she thought through it, the truth of the concern and the nervousness that had accompanied her desire, slowly came into focus.

Has this always just been about sex? Am I just a filly fooler that wants to have sex with AJ because she is so cute? I do love her, but am I really IN love with her? Why not one of the other girls? Rainbow Dash - let me think… Really adorable and fun, totally loveable… would I…?

She looked over her shoulder at the hovering pegasus who was talking to Fluttershy at the picnic table. As Dash turned slowly in the air, Twilight looked at her body. She saw her laugh and smirk. Then Twilight looked down the front of her cyan coat, down between her legs. Dash’s muscularity made her pubic cleft almost impossible to see, so Twilight had to concentrate to imagine it and imagine what sex with her would be like.

Oh yes - I would definitely have sex with Rainbow Dash. What about Rarity?

Twilight looked over at the unicorn. Very shapely, very voluptuous, very desirable.

I could certainly see myself having sex with Rarity - I guess I was wrong earlier about not being a filly fooler. Now that I’ve let down some of my walls, I’m discovering that maybe I’m not the pony I thought I was. How about Fluttershy?

She glanced at the yellow pegasus.

Not my first pick for a lover, but I suppose… Pinkie? She is utterly loveable, but as a sex partner? I don’t think I’d like my sex that random, at least what little that I know about it.

Twilight looked back at Rainbow and thought about having sex with her. She let her mind conjure graphic images of her mouth over Dash’s sex, tasting her and teasing her. She continued with thoughts of the two of them exploring each other’s physical desires, experimenting and playing. As Twilight’s body began to respond to the thoughts, her emotions began to break through. Carnal thoughts and desires fled before the pain of the realization.

I’ve been wrong. I’m not in love with Applejack after all…

The feeling of loss and utter humiliation overcame Twilight and she turned back into the hammock, once again clenching into a tight ball She choked back the feelings and fought not to let them consume her. She tried to focus on all her new friends, and nothing else.

“Twilight?”

There was real worry in that one word and Twilight turned her head. Through her teary eyes, she could see the image of Applejack trotting toward her, a deep look of concern on her face. Twilight felt the focus of that concern and attention and at that moment, as she looked into her eyes, she knew that it had not been about the sex or about her hormones or about Applejack being cute. It had been about love, and now there was not a trace of doubt in her mind. Despite the tears, Twilight could see it clearly in Applejack’s face, whether AJ knew it or not. Off to the side there was a scream and a crash from the direction of Pinkie Pie but neither pony looked away as Applejack came closer. The look of concern grew grim as the blonde earth pony saw the tears in her friend's eyes.

Twilight turned toward her in the hammock and couldn’t stop herself from reaching out to her any more than she could keep herself from needing her. Applejack sat next to the low slung hammock and without hesitation took her friend into her arms. Twilight closed her eyes buried her face into her friend’s coat as she pulled her close. Applejack’s scent filled Twilight’s first breath and a feeling of safety, security and calm instantly surrounded her like a blanket.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Applejack whispered as she held her. “Just take it easy, I’m right here.”

Twilight exhaled and her anxiety began to melt away. There were no questions from Applejack, no “what’s wrong?” or “are you okay?” Just that everything was okay and that she was there. It was exactly what Twilight needed to hear.

“I just love you so much, Applejack,” Twilight managed to say, her voice strained with emotion.

“And I love you too Twilight.”

Twilight leaned back and looked at her friend. Applejack was smiling as she reached up and with her hoof, pushed the tears from Twilight’s cheeks. She brushed the unicorn’s bangs a little to the side and smiled at her.

Twilight smiled and sniffed, “I-I don’t know what happened. I might be coming into estrus or maybe, uh…”

“...you needed a hug.”

Twilight nodded and her chin wrinkled up as she pulled her friend close and let out a little cry.

More perfect words. Twilight had never really seen this tender side of Applejack but somehow she knew it had been there. As they hugged, Twilight felt more of her worry and anxiety leave her. She leaned back again and saw that those amazing green eyes were now filled with tears. Applejack smiled and whispered, “I love you too Twilight Sparkle, and I have since the moment I saw you. I knew I’d found my best friend ever.”

They hugged each other tightly. Twilight could be happy with that, as long as they could be together. The pulled apart and looked at each other, teary eyed and smiling. Two fireflies circled nearby.

“You know what Applejack?” Twilight said with a sniff, “I think you’re right, they just wanted to be really really good friends.”

“They’re best friends… Oh, hey there Rarity.”

Rarity’s approach slowed and she regarded the two of them coldly. “Hello Applejack,” she answered, “I took the liberty of bringing you a mug as well. If you and Twilight here can manage to disentangle yourselves,” she snapped, “I'll give them to you.”

“Well ain’t you the sweetest thing. Twilight and I were just gettin a sappy and saying how we're are so happy just being best friends.”

Then she looked at Twilight and winked.

“Oh!” Rarity chirped happily, “is that all? I mean, well that's what friends are for. Now Twilight darling, let go of Applejack and take your cider“

“Oh, uh, thanks Rarity, that is so nice of you.” Twilight said absently. Puzzled by the wink. She decided to let it go as she sat up and took the mug.

“Look at you two, crying like a couple of school fillies. So much drama! Here darlings, clean yourselves up.” Suddenly two soft towels appeared in front of each of the ponies. They gratefully accepted them and wiped their eyes and cheeks.

Applejack then raised her mug, “To really, really good friends...” she said.

Twilight and Rarity held their mugs aloft as well.

“....and to where that friendship might lead.” Twilight said, smiling as the mugs knocked solidly together .

“Here, here!” Rarity chimed in lustfully. The three brought the mugs to their lips and drank. As they drank,, Rainbow Dash hovered over to them and landed. She looked at the three of them, cocked her head in confusion, shrugged, and raised her mug. After a perfunctory, “Yeah, whatever,” she tipped it back and drank her tankard dry.

“Say, this here’s delicious! What keg is it from?” Applejack asked, licking her lips.

“Glad you like it AJ.” Dash answered, “It’s one of my own concoctions. I wanted to liven things up, but not get everypony sloshed, so I took the regular cider and mixed in a little of the XX stuff. It’s pretty weak, but it’s good enough to get you a pretty sweet buzz and relax you. I know how certain pony’s are a little more lightweight than others.” she said, looking at Twilight.

“Hey!” the unicorn objected.

The other three laughed. “You can be played so easily, Twilight.” Dash said. As she noticed the flash of hurt on her face, Dash immediately said, “It’s one of the things I just love about you.” Dash was happy to see the smile return to her friend’s face.

“Among many, many other things,” Rarity said seductively. She surreptitiously ran her hoof under the hammock, caressing Twilight’s rump and thus eliciting a shocked look in her direction from the unsuspecting pony. Before Twilight could voice an objection, however, Applejack held her mug high once again, saying, “To the very loveable, Twilight Sparkle.” In a moment, both Rarity and Dash joined her.

“Wait!” Dash yelled. She looked in her mug, then leaned over and looked in Twilight’s. Without a word she grabbed Twilight’s out of her hoof, shoved her own empty one into Twilight’s hoof, and raised the fresh one high as Twilight laughed. “To the cool, no, to the second coolest pony in Ponyville - Twilight Sparkle!” The three ponies raised their mugs, then brought them to their lips and drank.

Twilight didn’t bother to stop the tears that fell to her smiling cheeks.

“Are you sure I can’t get you another burger, darling?” Rarity asked Twilight.

“I’ve already had three and a barn full of fries, Rarity. Are you trying to fatten me up?”

“Perhaps darling, but I’m sure together we can think of some way to work those calories off…”

Twilight smiled at her, and shook her head. “I have to use the little fillies room anyway,” she said, sitting up in the hammock and turning. She turned to Applejack who stood beside her, “Everything is just so delicious AJ. I don’t know how you keep your figure so beautiful.”

Rarity, who was sitting next to the hammock, suddenly looked away.

“I reckon it’s all the apple buckin’.” the earth pony answered. “But I ain’t got nothin’ on Rarity - she’s the hottie with the body…” Applejack was pleased to see the cloud that had suddenly appeared on the fashionista’s face, disappear and be replaced by a flush of pink to her cheeks.

“Why thank you Applejack! You do say the kindest things!” Rarity stood up gave the hammock a small but firm bump, causing Twilight to blink. “I must say I do work terribly hard trying to keep myself looking my best.” she continued, walking around in front of Twilight. “Who knows where you’ll find your certain, special somepony.”

As the hammock swung toward her, Rarity continued, “They could be right, under, your, nose!” and with the tip of her hoof she gave Twilight a tiny boop on the tip of her nose, leaving the lavender unicorn to blink. Rarity winked at her, turned away and with a one of a kind walk, strolled slowly away from the two of them.

Applejack watched her with a puzzled expression. “What ya reckon all that was about?”

Twilight, blushing, stammered “I, uh, have no idea. You know Rarity, very mysterious.”

“Really? I never thought so.” Applejack said, raising her eyebrow.

“Hey AJ! How about dessert? This pony is sure ready!” Rainbow Dash hovered above the two ponies and landed.

“I can only imagine how you burn all your calories Dash!” Twilight laughed.

“Don’t you believe it sister…”

Twilight hopped out of the hammock, “Hey Rainbow, I’ve been meaning to ask you, do you remember earlier today when we were near Fluttershy’s, did we walk into the woods?”

“No. I don’t think… hey wait, that’s right, we did, That place is like ultra weird! Most of the time I totally forget like, that it even, you know, exists. Then suddenly I remember, like totally out of the blue. I don’t know where it leads because everytime I head in there, all I can remember is walking out again, feeling really good. There may be some kind of magical spell over there or something.”

“Well I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a spell like that,” Twilight replied, “I mean there are memory spells but they’re very tricky and very dangerous. Anyway that’s a relief, I thought it was just me. I don’t remember anything, except I did feel very nice when we were walking out. It was much later in the day than when we walked in.”

“Yeah, I think there was like this one time when I went in after finishing work with the clouds at like one in the afternoon. Next thing I know I’m like walking out and it’s sunset. I wish I could remember what happened in there.”

“I’ll have to see if I can find any books in the Canterlot library about it. I thought I was going crazy. The last thing I could remember was we were talking about-” Twilight stopped, wishing she had never opened her mouth.

“What?” Applejack asked.

“Sex” Dash said. The word Twilight is looking for is sex…”

“Oh, uh, um, was that it?” Twilight asked, her cheeks a bright pink, “I wasn’t clear on remembering exactly what…”

“Take my word for it Twi - sex was the topic you were asking about. You wanted to know how your friend, who was a filly fooler-”

“DASH!” Twilight suddenly interrupted, “Sooo, how about those Wonderbolts?! They’re really something!” .

Dash raised a skeptical eyebrow. “You do realize I’m going to keep going with this, right?”

Twilight sighed and closed her eyes, nodding in defeat.

“Good. You were asking about your friend who was a filly fooler and how she would know how to please her mare-friend.”

“REALLY???!!!” Rarity suddenly shoved past Dash and lunged toward Twilight. “Is this true Twilight? Oh that is SO thoughtful!!”

Nopony said anything.

Crickets chirped. Two fields over a cow softly mooed.

“I-I mean for her friend.” Rarity stammered, “It was really thoughtful for her friend!”

Twilight’s cheeks blushed a bright red as she scouted the ground in hopes of finding a deep hole she could crawl into.

“I ain’t exactly sure how the topic turned to sex,” Applejack said “but Apple Bloom is still here and I’d kindly appreciate it if ya’ll would change the topic to something a little more family rated. At least until she heads over to Scootaloo’s for the night.”

Twilight’s head popped up, her smile was there but a bit hesitant. “Apple Bloom won’t be here tonight?”

“No, I figured we’ll be up all night chattin’ and laughin’ which means she won't be sleepin. I figure she may as well not sleep with her friends as not sleep here. She said they were going to make ice cream. Another cutie mark test, I reckon”

“Yes,” added Rarity, “Sweetie Belle took a half gallon of fresh cream, left the shop and went straight there.”

“And as you know, Granny Smith is at her cousin, Apple Strudel’s. They’ll be comin’ in tomorrow on the noon train to judge the desserts at the fair with Pinkie Pie. That happens at around 3, so it’s just us girls here tonight.”

The possibilities were not lost on Twilight, but she no longer felt the pressure to find a time when she could get Applejack alone and tell her how she felt. If they got some alone time, that would be great, if not, there would be other times in the weeks and months ahead..

The screen door slammed behind Spike, Big Mac and Apple Bloom as they came out of the house and toward the picnic area.

“Big Mac and I are heading to the library. You girls have fun. We’re having a guys night!”

“eYup. Oh, Applejack, the three of us had some pie - they’re better than the last batch.” the red Clydesdale said.

“Aw Big Mac, you say that every time” Applejack said with a blush.

“That’s cuz it’s true, sis. Anyway, we’re off for a night of comic books, and hoofball card trading.”

“That sounds like fun,” Twilight said happily.

“I’m going with them as far as Scootaloo’s. See y’all tomorrow at the fair!” Apple Bloom ran up to Applejack and gave her a hug. “Later Sis, and Big Mac is right - these pies are better than the last ones..”

“Thank you Apple Bloom, and thanks for all your help today. Now git along you three.” As the three of them headed off down the hill Applejack called out. “Y’all have a good time, and Apple Bloom, don’t over-do it on the ice cream!”

Pinkie Pie rose slowly from behind Twilight’s hammock.

“AHHHH!” Twilight screamed, “Pinkie, you’ve got to stop doing that!”

Pinkie droned as though in a trance, “Unless your sentence contains the words ice cream, cake, pie or dessert, I have no idea what you said Twilight.”

“No of course you don’t” Twilight said, rolling her eyes, ‘but dessert does sound pretty good.”

Pinkie continued droning, “I’m glad to see you’ve come to your senses, Twilight Sparkle, it will go better for you and the rest…”

“Of course it will Pinkie.” Twilight answered, smiling.

Fluttershy walked over to the group, “Um if it’s okay with everypony, I mean I don’t want to force anypony, but would it be okay if we had dessert inside?”

“Yeah,”

“Certainly,”

“Okay,”

“I’m cool with that,”

“Deserrrrrrrrrrrrrt…,” the voice droned.

“I’ll tell you what” Applejack suggested, “why don’t we all put our night clothes on and then come out to the living room, sit around and have dessert.”

“Oooh, I like that idea!” Pinkie exclaimed, her usual perky self. “Strategically it puts us closer to the fridge…”

Applejack held the door open as her five friends and Winona, her border collie, walked into the house. “I’ll show you all where you can settle in and put your stuff. Grab your saddle bags and follow me.”

At the top of the stairs, Applejack turned to them, “Okay, this door at the end of the hall is Big Macintosh’s room. Twi, you can stay there. Then the next room is the guest room, Rarity, that’s for you. Fluttershy - you and Pinkie can stay in the room next to Rarity which is Apple Bloom's room, and Dash, you can stay in my room, and I’ll stay in Granny Smith’s room. I’d offer it to one of you, but it kinda smells like old pony. Now Twilight, you and Rarity will have to share a bathroom - it’s between your bedrooms and Dash, you and I share the one between Granny Smith’s and my room. Everypony okay?”

“Yep” they answered.

“Then let's all get our nightclothes on and meet downstairs for dessert.”

“Yeah!” They all replied.

Rarity’s could barely suppress her glee at the news that she and Twilight would share a common bathroom. Each of the pony’s went to settle in. Rarity placed her saddle bag on the bed and went to the bathroom door. She opened it and saw the door on the other side that led to Big Mac’s room, or Twilight’s bedchamber as she preferred to think of it. She went in and gave a soft knock.

“Come in.”

Rarity opened the door and went it. “Hello bathmate. Won’t this be fun? Who knows what kind of mischief the two of us could get up to…”

“Yeah, who knows…” Twilight said with an uncertain smile.

“Toodle-loo, see you later…”

“Yes, toodle-loo…” Twilight replied as Rarity closed the bathroom door behind her.

Twilight went over to the bed and pushed it down with her hoof. She climbed up and lay down to get a feel of the mattress and the pillow.

Then she sneezed…